A RUDE INTERLUDE, an update on StoryCorps and a note to say that after-prom parties aren't really all that new are all part of today's summer grab bag.

Awhile back, I got a smattering of stories about rude people as part of my annual Gripes and Grins reader write-in.

I experienced one of my own the other day that needs sharing.

On the way back from vacation, I was tired from loading up a car and boat when I pulled into the convenience-store plaza in King George County.

Towing a boat through a lot with 20 or so gas pumps is difficult enough, but I eventually maneuvered behind a car filling up at the end of a row.

All I needed to do was wait for the young lady in front of me to finish and pull up.

When she finished putting gas into her vehicle, the young woman yawned, opened a rear door, released her youngster from a child seat and slowly meandered over to the store.

I don't know what she did inside, but it took more than 10 minutes as I was forced to sit and endure all the angry looks and a few raised fists for blocking the pump area with a car hooked to a boat.

Finally, the young woman sauntered out, yawned again, loaded her child, looked around a bit and then drove off.

My blood pressure was peaking as I sat looking at the empty car blocking the gas pump.

For a second I thought, well, she's got a youngster, so be nice.

But then I realized it would have been easier for her--and polite to others--to simply drive her car from the pump to the store's entrance.

I'd say she might not have realized I was waiting, except that she gave me a long, stupid look as she walked by, as if to say, "Too bad, sucker, you're going to have to wait."